Police release image of man believed to have made a grab for boy, 10, in Northampton

An e-fit image of the man police want to trace in relation to an incident off Banbury Lane, Northampton.

Published:16:29Wednesday 10 June 2015

An e-fit image of a man who reportedly made a grab for a 10-year-old and was seen ‘acting suspiciously’ on a Northampton towpath has been released by police.

The incident took place at around 3.30pm on Monday afternoon, on a towpath off Banbury Lane, Northampton.

The man approached a 10-year-old and made attempts to get hold of him, but the boy managed to get away.

The man then ran off in the direction of the M1.

The man who approached the boy was white, aged 25-30, 6ft 1ins, of medium build, with a red mark on the right hand side of his chin.

He had brown hair, blue/green eyes and wore a grey hooded top with the hood up and a big pocket on the front. He was also wearing grey jogging bottoms and black trainers with red stripes across the side.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area and saw the man to contact them. They would also like anyone who may recognise the description of the offender to contact them.

A police spokesperson said the local Safer Community Team will be conducting regular patrols in the area in support of the operation.

Detectives are also urging parents and guardians to remind their children of the appropriate safety advice with regard to strangers, encouraging them to tell a parent, teacher or police officer if they are approached.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked contact police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.